We Can Help You Smile With Confidence!
We know that missing teeth can be incredibly uncomfortable. Chewing becomes more difficult, speaking can be more difficult, there’s a knock to your self-esteem, and, let's face it, your smile doesn't feel the same as it used to. But luckily, we have options to restore your smile. We specialize in all-on-x implants, which only require four to six implants to support a full set of replacement teeth. It’s a quick restorative process that offers a long-term solution, meaning our patients can get back to enjoying their smiles and favorite foods a whole lot sooner.
Your dental implant journey starts with a visit to Foothill Family Dental Group. During your first appointment, Dr. Yara or Dr. Mariam will chat with you about your dental history. We want to hear everything – past procedures, any concerns you might have, and how your missing teeth have impacted your daily life.
Then, we'll thoroughly examine your mouth and take X-rays to get a clearer picture of your jawbone and remaining teeth. This will help us determine whether or not you are a good candidate for all-on-x implants, single implants, or another restorative procedure. If you are, we'll get started on creating a personalized treatment plan to get you a brand-new smile!
Overdentures
Overdentures are a type of removable dentures that are placed on top of dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or slide, overdentures are kept firmly in place by your implants which gives you a more stable and natural feeling of wear. It can also improve your chewing ability and speech with a more natural-feeling fit.
The Benefits
- Better stability and retention. No dental adhesives required!
- Less likely to slip or shift while you’re eating or speaking. No more trapped food where you least expect it.
- Simpler care compared to traditional dentures.
All-On-X Implants
All-on-X implants are able to replace all of your upper or lower teeth by attaching a series of implants into your jawbone and attaching a full arch of custom-made dentures. This approach eliminates the need for multiple surgeries and lengthy healing to help you enjoy a beautiful smile faster.
The Benefits
- It’s a faster procedure.
- You can enjoy your new smile right away.
- It’s ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth.
Single Implants
Single dental implants are a great way to replace a single missing tooth. Once your single implant has healed and integrated with your bone, we create a custom-made crown to attach to it for a natural-looking and functional replacement. We even match the color for a seamless blend with the rest of your smile.
The Benefits
- It’s a natural-looking and functional replacement for single teeth.
- It will improve your chewing and speaking ability.
- There’s no need for adjacent teeth to be prepared for a bridge.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges can restore multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which can put pressure on your remaining teeth, implant bridges are supported by your implants, providing a more stable and comfortable solution.
The Benefits
- It offers better stability and retention compared to traditional bridges.
- Your adjacent teeth are left undisturbed, and your bridge sits comfortably to fill in the gap!
Your First Step Towards a Renewed Smile
Depending on how many teeth you're missing, we at Foothill Family Dental Group will start to map out the best way forward for your implants to give you a strong and stunning smile. During your first appointment, we'll use our sophisticated software to see what your finished implants will look like virtually before starting. This way, we can make sure everything looks amazing and is to your liking. Dr. Yara will also outline a clear roadmap of what to expect for your implant journey, including healing times and appointment schedules – you'll always know exactly what's coming next!
Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If a damaged or diseased tooth is in the implant site, we will start your procedure by carefully extracting it. Proper extraction ensures a clean and healthy space for your implants and will promote the best possible post-procedure healing. This is usually your first step toward better oral health, and we stop the bacteria from affecting any adjacent teeth.
Implant Placement
We begin by making a precise incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. Using our specialized drills, we then create a small opening in your jawbone to accommodate the implant post. This biocompatible titatium post is then gently inserted into the prepared site. We’re also able to perform your implant procedure under local anesthesia or light sedation to ensure your comfort.
Connecting Your Implant
Once your posts are prepared, we will surgically place the implant. It’s that simple – which means you can walk out with a restored smile on the same day, eliminating the typically extended healing period you’d face (without teeth) with traditional dental implants.
Your First 48 Hours
- Following your surgery, you might experience some discomfort or swelling and, in some cases, light bruising. Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the affected area at 15-minute intervals. We will also prescribe pain medication to manage any further discomfort you may feel at home.
- Minor bleeding is normal after surgery. If you have any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a gauze pad to the bleeding area for 10-15 minutes and avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully.
- Stick to a soft diet for the first few days. We recommend soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soup.
- Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours after surgery! Don’t participate in activities that can increase your blood pressure and disrupt your healing process. Your new smile will thank you!
Beyond the First 48 Hours
- Start with gentle brushing around your implant site 24 hours after surgery. Focus on cleaning around the abutment (the connector between the implant and crown) and your remaining teeth.
- It's best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Don't floss directly around the implant site for the first week. Your gum is healing and prefers to be undisturbed.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash for gentle rinsing.
More Ways to Help Your Healing
- Did you know that smoking hinders the healing of implants? If you smoke, quitting before or after surgery significantly improves the success rate of your implants.
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping for the first few nights to minimize swelling.
- Take any medication we prescribe to help manage pain and prevent infection.
- Please attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments. They help us track your healing progress and address any concerns you might have!
Dietary Do’s and Don’ts
One of the best parts about restoring your smile is getting the chance to enjoy foods you couldn’t with missing teeth! Though, as much as you will feel tempted to delight in all your favorites, it’s crucial to follow a soft food diet for the first few days after your surgery. This will give your implant site time to heal comfortably.
As you’re getting used to your new smile, we recommend distributing chewing pressure evenly throughout your mouth and avoiding directly chewing on the implant area. We also tell our patients to avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods like nuts, chips, and hard candies for a while. You should also be mindful of any potential irritation you have, especially when eating hot or spicy foods.
Soft Food Ideas While You’re Healing:
Need ideas for breakfast? Try the following:
- Porridge
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft pancakes or waffles
- Mashed fruits
- Smoothies
Lunch & Dinner doesn't have to be tricky:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soups
- Well-cooked or steamed vegetables
- Soft fish
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Pasta dishes
Staying committed to your oral hygiene is a must to give your implants the best chance of lasting! Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, attending regular dental checkups, and having professional cleanings every 6 months are all necessary to keep your oral health at its best. But oral health goes beyond just your implant site… Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress will also impact your overall well-being and indirectly benefit your implants.
Top Tip: Keep an eye open for any signs that might indicate potential problems with your implant. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, such as persistent pain, swelling, or loosening, contact our office immediately.
Is my surgery going to be painful?
Most of our patients only experience minimal discomfort, and we can perform the procedure under sedation to ensure comfort. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long do dental implants last?
Our implant-supported restorative dentistry can last for many years with the right care. Regular check-ups, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking will extend the longevity of your implants.
Will my implants look fake?
Not at all! Our implants make use of custom crowns designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. We also use realistic materials and integrate your implant seamlessly for a natural look.
How much will my new smile cost?
The cost of your implants will depend on your unique smile needs. During your consultation, we'll discuss a transparent cost breakdown and explore any financing options available to make this investment in your smile more manageable.
I'm feeling nervous about surgery. Are implants a good option for me?
Many of our patients feel anxious about surgery. Our doctors are prepared and ready to ease any dental anxiety you may be experiencing! We also offer sedation to minimize your discomfort, and our team is ready to answer any questions you may have on your first visit.
Ready to Renew Your Smile?
If you're considering implants to restore your smile and improve your oral health, Foothill Family Dental Group is the dental office for you! Dr. Yara and Dr. Mariam offer a personalized approach to give our patients a comfortable and successful implant experience. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and take the first step towards a renewed smile.